Travel to Mahe Island, The Seychelles with KeyTours Vacations

Discover Mahe Island's Wonders

Mahé Island, the largest in the Seychelles archipelago, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant Creole culture. Home to the capital city of Victoria, Mahé offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts.

Explore the iconic Beau Vallon Beach, a hub for water sports and sunsets, or venture into Morne Seychellois National Park for breathtaking hiking trails through lush greenery. Savor Creole delicacies in local eateries or immerse yourself in Seychellois history at Victoria’s Botanical Gardens and colorful markets.

Mahé also serves as the gateway to the Seychelles, with its international airport and ferry connections to other islands like Praslin and La Digue. Whether you're seeking luxury resorts, secluded beaches, or authentic local experiences, Mahé Island has something for every traveler.

Plan your dream escape to Mahé Island and experience the timeless allure of Seychelles.

Current Weather

75.69 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 75.69 °F / 75.69 °FFeels: 76.62 °F Humidity: 78%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Description

The overwhelming majority of visitors to the Seychelles stay on one of the archipelago's three main islands: Mahe, Praslin, or La Digue. Mahe, the largest, is also the liveliest, with the most generous offer of shopping and entertainment. The capital city – Victoria – is also located on Mahe, many flocking to its Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (often simply referred to as "Victoria Market") for produce and souvenir shopping. Mahe is most often any traveller's fist point of entry to the Seychelles, for it is on this island that the nation's only international airport is located. Praslin, albeit much smaller, has plenty in the way of nature escapes – the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai reserve makes for some incredible hiking through primeval mangrove forest, where the endemic (and rather wacky-looking) coco de mer grows undisturbed. La Digue, the smallest of the three, will please those looking for seclusion – the only means of transportation here is cycling, which means no vehicles or other disturbances – just you, picture-perfect beaches, and star-dotted night skies. Day-trips and private excursions can be arranged to nearby islands like Curieuse or Silhouette, as well as some of the more remote outer islands.

Useful information

Population:

100,447 (2022 estimate)

Currency:

Seychellois rupee (SCR) = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Police: 999
Medical: 151
Fire and Rescue: 999

Opening Hours:

While general office hours in the Seychelles run from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, some tourist-oriented businesses will stay open longer or even open at the weekends.

Do & See

Beaches

The Seychelles' 115 paradisiacal islands are home to some of the world's finest, most stunning beaches, many offering unparalleled seclusion. Some of the islands' best include Anse Lazio and Volbert on Praslin; scenic Anse Cocos, private Anse Marron and Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue; and Anse Takamaka on Mahe Island.

Bird Island

The now privately-owned Bird Island is the archipelago's northernmost, tellingly named after its incredible population of birds. The Bird Island Lodge provides eco-friendly accommodation and delicious meals, and further pursuits include snorkelling, dolphin-watching, and meeting the island's largest inhabitant - the 300kg tortoise Esmeralda.

Curieuse Island Tortoise Farm

Organised tours take visitors to the Giant Tortoise Farm on Curieuse Island (tours depart from Praslin and other islands). Upon seeing the Aldabra, visitors are free to explore the island further, and get the chance to see coco de mer palm trees, indigenous black parrot, the breeding ground for green sea turtles, and even more varied flora and fauna.

Diving & Snorkelling

The Seychelles' unique marine biodiversity and appealing crystal-clear waters create the perfect conditions for underwater discovery. For snorkelling, head to one of the best sites of the Indian Ocean - Sainte Anne Marine National Park - or take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks on Mahe. Diving is another way to get close and personal with reef inhabitants (humphead parrotfish, octopus, various types of sharks - including hammerhead, if you're in luck). Seychelles Underwater Centre

Morne Seychellois National Park

Mahe Island's spectacular national park is one of the archipelago's unmissable attractions. Hike up Morne Blanc, the highest peak in all of the Seychelles, along the Morne Blanc Hiking Trail (which cuts through lush mangrove forest), and be duly rewarded by the spectacular views unfolding from the observation deck at the top.

Silhouette Island

The volcanic island of Silhouette is significantly younger than its nearby siblings, formed by a volcanic eruption 63 million years ago (compare to Mahe Island's venerable age of 650 million years). It is home to the archipelago's arguably most affordable luxury resort, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. The island's reef is one of the best in the archipelago, with nature trails and diverse flora and fauna adding to the appeal.

Takamaka Rum Distillery

The country's own small rum distillery offers a popular guided tour that lasts just under an hour, and includes a rum tasting at the end. Bottles of rum may be purchased at the on-site shop. Stay for a meal at the adjacent restaurant (one of the island's best).

Tea Factory

Perched on a scenic mountainside along the way to Morne Seychellois National Park is the Seychelles' own Tea Factory, which offers short tours taking visitors through all steps of the tea-making process. Try the islands' signature SeyTé tea, comprising flavours of vanilla, orange, mint, lemon and cinnamon. Other teas and herbal drinks are available for sampling and purchase.

Dining

Boat House (Beau Vallon)

This North Coast restaurant's main draw is the varied dinner buffet, held daily from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Dishes served are primarily Creole specialities, with seafood (tuna steaks on grill), meat, and vegetarian dishes represented, along with a traditional salad buffet selection.

Cafe des Arts (Praslin Island)

Perhaps Praslin's finest restaurant, Cafe des Arts (at Le Duc de Praslin Hotel) offers beachfront seating and serves a wide variety of Creole dishes, with a heavy emphasis on seafood (the menu even includes sushi and sashimi). During the daytime, it operates as a beach bar.

Del Place (Port Launay)

Del Place is easily the best restaurant on Mahe Island's west coast: the cooking is excellent, centred around fresh seafood and Creole flavours, the views are unbeatable (thanks to the restaurant's scenic waterfront setting), and the atmosphere tropical yet refined.

Le Combava (La Digue)

La Digue's Domaine de L'Orangeraie resort contains the island's most refined restaurant - Le Combava. This one is the place to go if you intend to splurge, for opportunities are ample - Le Combava lists lobster, giant prawns, and fine wines on its menu - among other dishes, all exquisitely presented.

Les Lauriers (Praslin Island)

For those who still aren't converts, Praslin Island's Les Lauriers whips up an excellent Creole buffet, one that has repeatedly convinced even the most discerning diners. The meal starts at the abundant salad bar, only to be followed by grilled meats and fish.

Marie-Antoinette (Victoria)

The set menu offered at Marie-Antoinette has barely change since the 1970s, and consists of a variety of traditional Seychellois Creole dishes, which gives patrons a chance to sample several at once. The restaurant is set inside a former colonial mansion, which forges a distinctive ambience of olde.

The Fish Trap (La Digue)

It's a treat to be entrapped by this cool waterside eatery serving Creole specialities, bucketloads of seafood and international classics, such as burgers and pasta. The Fish Trap also serves excellent cocktails (try the local rum based ones). There is a separate children's menu.

Cafes

Baobab Pizzeria (Beau Vallon)

This genuine waterside eatery serves what is, many would argue, some of the best value Italian eats on the island. It is normally very busy, but service is fast and the atmosphere pleasantly animated. Most patrons go for one of the pizzas paired with an ice-cold beer.

Chez Jules (La Digue)

One of La Digue's best casual restaurants hides in a secluded location on Anse Banane, in a place that's nearly impossible to accidentally stumble upon. Try the seafood offerings of octopus salad and grilled tuna while taking in direct sea views, and follow-up with a freshly squeezed juice or smoothie.

Loutier Coco (La Digue)

The honest eatery on La Digue's beautiful Grand Anse must certainly be any visitor's lunch spot of choice: the daily lunch buffet offering is generous, and includes a continuous barbecue (the grilling starts at 12.30, arrive early). The dining area is set directly by the water.

Maria's Rock Cafe (Anse Gouvernment)

The curious jungle cafe is stylised with pirate-themed decor and paraphernalia, seating offered in the cavernous inside space or the outdoor terrace. Meats and seafood are brought to and grilled directly at patrons' tables. There is an adjacent art studio run by the cafe owner's husband.

Paradisier (Praslin Island)

The breezy restaurant with a patio covered by a palm-thatched roof serves quality Creole, French and Italian cooking. Pizzas are by far the most affordable choice (a moderately hungry party of two could share a single one), but the menu extends to include pricier meat and seafood.

Snack Bellevue (La Digue)

The unbeatable panoramic views make this La Digue establishment one of the top contenders to the title of the archipelago's finest. Specially organised transfers bring diners part of the way to the establishment; the hike all the way up is just as steep as the prices, but surely worth the investment.

Bars & Nightlife

Club Liberté Casino (Anse Soleil)

Worry not if this is your first time contemplating a visit to the casino: Club Liberté is exceptionally newbie-friendly, with staff ready to walk anyone through the basics of each game. It's a great place for a nice night out, too, with a surprisingly affordable (despite being adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel) on-site restaurant and live music and entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The casino even offers its own pick-up and drop-off service (call to arrange).

Honesty Bar (Anse Lazio, Praslin Island)

Once run on the honour system, the bar had, unfortunately, discovered that the concept might not quite work out the way it was intended to. Luckily, this wasn't the end for the business, and the now-attended establishment continues to welcome in anyone looking for laid-back drinks at (what might just be) the world's best hideaway bar.

The Boardwalk (Eden Island)

This bar set on a floating platform was Eden Island's first, and remains an attractive evening hangout spot to-date. The weekends see party vibes set in at Boardwalk, while any day of the week is excellent for drinks overlooking the water.

Trader Vic's (Beau Vallon)

Although not unique to the Seychelles, Trader Vic's is a worthwhile location for an evening out on Mahe. Service is impeccable, dishes served - varied and scrumptious, and live music plays most nights. The cocktails are an attraction in and of themselves. Seating available on the outdoor terrace.

Shopping

Black Pearl Jewellery (Praslin Island)

Praslin's Black Pearl boutique sells exclusive jewellery made with authentic Seychellois pearls harvested in local waters, designed by world-renowned Australian jeweller Linneys. Designs are unique, which makes this a great place to find one-of-kind pieces.

Camion Hall (Victoria)

This shopping centre right across from the busy Victoria Market makes for a good stop to pick up souvenirs (oils, carvings, handicrafts, jewellery, etc.) produced locally in the Seychelles. Camion Hall also contains one of the boutiques of reputable jeweller Kreolor.

Kreolor

With outlets on Mahe (Camion Hall & Eden Island), Praslin (Grand Anse & Vallee de Mai) and La Digue (La Passe), Kreolor is one of the archipelago's best stores to purchase exquisite, unique jewellery and accessories. All pieces are made with natural materials and precious metals, and many draw design inspiration from coco de mer.

Michael Adams' Studio (Mahe Island)

The archipelago's most well-known artist calls the Seychelles home since 1972 (although his work has been exhibited worldwide), and continues to create vivid watercolours exploring the theme of island living to-date. Call before your visit to confirm the studio is open.

Victoria Market (Mahe Island)

The archipelago's largest and, perhaps, only market is a happening place that brings local vendors together Monday through Saturday (Saturday also happens to be the day when the market is at it's liveliest). Those who arrive in the morning can see curious marine creatures fished out from local waters; produce, souvenirs, and handicrafts are sold all through the day.

Yellow Gallery & Sculpture Studio (Anse Gouvernment, Mahe Island)

One of the Seychelles' most well-known artists, Antonio Filippin, has a studio on Mahe Island's west coast (uphill from Baie Lazare). Adjacent to the studio is his spouse's quirky pirate-themed cafe, frequented by vacationers from the neighbourhood.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

The Seychelles generally boast good weather all through the year, December through April being the hottest, while January and February often see brief tropical rainfall. April-May and October-November are when the Seychellois waters are at their clearest, making for some incredible underwater visibility and thus excellent diving.

Passport / Visa

The Seychelles is a visa-free country. Visitors are, however, required to produce a passport or travel document that remains valid until the individual's return to their country of origin.

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)

The Seychelles International Airport, a few kilometres away from the Mahe Island's Victoria, is the country's only international airport, and main point of entry for the majority of visitors. Taxis and rental cars are available for hire at the airport. There is a public bus stop just outside the airport; at the time of writing, the Seychelles public busses are not equipped with luggage storage compartments, which means no passengers travelling with luggage are admitted on board.

Public Transport

The larger islands of Mahe and Praslin both have rather well-developed bus networks. A print-out containing all information about schedules and routes can be picked up at the main station in Victoria (and at tourist offices in Praslin). Bus destinations are usually displayed on the front window, fares are fixed regardless of travel distance and are paid to the driver upon boarding. To reach some destinations, a change at the capital's main station may be needed. Ferry service connects the principal islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Privately arranged boat tours are necessary to reach other islands. On La Digue, cycling is the primary means of transportation, and bikes are widely available. Air Seychelles operates 15-minute flights between Mahe and Praslin, and flies to other islands of the archipelago (some routes on request). Two charter companies (helicopter Zil Air and Islands Development Company (IDC)) also arrange transfers and excursions.

Taxi

Taxis can be hired on all three major islands: Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. Cabs can be hailed off the side of the road, picked up at taxi stands, or pre-ordered via telephone. Make sure the fare is agreed upon before boarding if the taxi isn't equipped with a meter.

Electricity

220-240, 50 Hz, three-pin British model plugs

Pharmacy

Most hotels employ a medical professional who is available 24/7. Pharmacies on all three islands are located at hospitals. The one in Victoria on Mahe Island operates Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-12pm. Victoria's main pharmacy is located at the Orion Mall.

Post

Most hotels offer postage services to guests. The main Seychelles post office is located in Victoria on Mahe Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Mahe Island in the Seychelles?

The best time to visit Mahe Island is during the dry season from May to October. During this period, the weather is cooler and less humid, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and beach visits. The southeast trade winds also make it a great time for sailing and windsurfing.

How many days should I spend on Mahe Island?

A stay of 3 to 5 days on Mahe Island is recommended to fully experience its natural beauty and attractions. This allows time to explore the capital, Victoria, relax on stunning beaches like Beau Vallon, and take a day trip to the Morne Seychellois National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing.

What are the must-see attractions on Mahe Island?

Must-see attractions on Mahe Island include the vibrant Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria, the beautiful Beau Vallon Beach, and the lush Morne Seychellois National Park. Additionally, the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens and the historic Victoria Clocktower are worth visiting.

What is the best way to get around Mahe Island?

The best way to get around Mahe Island is by renting a car, which offers flexibility to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, the local bus service is an affordable option, though it may not reach all destinations. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer distances.

Are there any local dishes I should try on Mahe Island?

On Mahe Island, try traditional Creole dishes such as grilled fish with Creole sauce, octopus curry, and ladob, a dish made from ripe plantains and sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk. Fresh seafood is abundant, and tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas are delicious and widely available.

What are some popular activities to do on Mahe Island?

Popular activities on Mahe Island include snorkeling and diving in the clear waters of Sainte Anne Marine National Park, hiking trails in Morne Seychellois National Park, and relaxing on the island's pristine beaches. Visitors can also enjoy cultural experiences like visiting local art galleries and craft markets.

Are there any cultural events or festivals on Mahe Island?

Mahe Island hosts several cultural events, including the Creole Festival in October, which celebrates the island's Creole heritage with music, dance, and food. The Seychelles Carnival, usually held in April, features vibrant parades and performances, showcasing the island's diverse cultural influences.

Trips

Seychelles Inner Islands Luxury Cruise

Seychelles Outer Islands Expedition

Grand Seychelles Voyage

Seychelles to Zanzibar Odyssey

Seychelles to Zanzibar Voyage

Seychelles to the Serengeti Grand Adventure

Seychelles, Zanzibar and the Kenya Tanzania Safari Circuit

The Seychelles Discovery

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